GOING GREEN: Window Cleaner

Those that are new to me or this site, should know that I'm a big supporter of using natural products whenever I can. AND, if it saves me money, all the better!

1/4 cup vinegar
2 cups water
1 tsp detergent (optional; I don't use it)
3-4 drops of your favorite essential oils

What I use is everything except the detergent. I use lavender oil as the essential oil. Sometimes, I might use eucalyptus oil, if we've all been sick and need to unstuff our heads. Simply mix ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and use.
The detergent is supposed to help for surfaces with major caked on grime. I can honestly say my house has never been bad enough to need it. I've found that vinegar is pretty effective for anything that might be "caked on". If you need something stronger, I suggest straight vinegar before you try the detergent.

S'more ice cream treats

graham crackers, halved

hot fudge sauce

mini marshmallows

chocolate ice cream



Place crackers in bottom of pan. Pour hot fudge sauce over crackers. Sprinkle with marshmallows. Cover with a thick layer of ice cream. Drizzle more hot fudge sauce over ice cream layer. Freeze overnight.

Applesauce cookies

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup applesauce
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together. Place dough in heaping spoonfuls on baking pan/stone.
Bake 12ish minutes, until cookies are SLIGHTLY browned at the edges.

Honey BBQ Chicken

Various chicken pieces (we prefer boneless breasts)
SAUCE:
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup lemon juice

Mix ingredients together for sauce. Wash chicken, place in baking pan, crockpot, or dish for grilling. Pour sauce over meat. We like to let the meat marinate in it over night. This sauce is runny, so it's best used in the crockpot or baking dish.

Sausage and cheddar corn muffins

You can also substitute bacon. Great as a cool morning treat!



3 cups flour

1 cup cornmeal

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

2 cups milk

2 tbsp lemon juice

4 tbsp butter, melted

2 eggs

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 roll of sauage, browned and drained



Mix together all ingredients. Spray muffin pan/stone liberally. Fill cups 3/4 full. Bake on 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until muffins are golden browned.

Pork chops with mushroom sauce

This isn't homemade, but it's awesome anyway.


1 pack of pork chops (we use boneless, 9 in each pack)
3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Rinse pork chops and place them in a crockpot. Open and pour soups over top. Cook on high for 4ish hours, or until pork chops are falling apart. (This is my reason for using boneless)

Red Velvet Cake

I know it's not Christmas time yet, but this was requested. Enjoy!

1 2/3 cup sugar
4 tbsp shortening
1 egg white
1 egg
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 oz bottle of red food coloring
2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp baking soda
2 tubs of cream cheese frosting, mixed with 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Coat 2 9 inch cake pans in cooking spray.
Beat the sugar and shortening at medium speed of a mixer 5 minutes or until well-blended. Add egg white and egg; beat well. Combine cocoa and food coloring in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add to sugar mixture; mix well.
Lightly spoon 2 1/4 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine with salt. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Add vanilla; mix well. Combine vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl; add to batter, mixing well.
Pour batter into prepared pans. Sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.
Ice with cream cheese frosting. Refrigerate until ready to serve.